Comparative Evaluation of Properties and Energy Potential of Selected Fuelwood Species in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

In many parts of Nigeria, wood remains a primary source of household and small-scale industrial energy. As fuelwood demand continues to grow, identifying species with high energy efficiency is increasingly important. This study evaluates eight commonly used wood species in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, to determine their suitability for fuelwood and charcoal production. Each species was assessed for calorific value, volatile matter, ash content, moisture content, wood density, and charcoal yield, using five replicates per species. Laboratory tests followed standard procedures, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Duncan’s multiple range tests. Significant variation was observed across species, with <i>Anogeissus leiocarpus</i>, <i>Khaya senegalensis</i>, and <i>Prosopis africana</i> exhibiting superior energy profiles, including higher calorific values and lower ash and moisture contents. Boxplots and Duncan’s multiple range tests highlighted distinct groupings among the species. Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses revealed that moisture and ash contents had strong negative effects on calorific value, while density and charcoal yield positively influenced fuel quality. The results of regression analysis for calorific value versus volatile matter, ash content, moisture content, density, charcoal yield, species had R<sup>2</sup> (Model Fit) of 0.8959, meaning 89.59% of the variation in calorific value is explained by the predictors. These findings support the hypothesis that fuelwood properties vary significantly by species and offer practical guidance for selecting efficient, clean-burning wood types. The results contribute to improved biomass energy use and support informed decisions for sustainable fuelwood utilization in sub-Saharan Africa.